Understanding how work authorisation works in Europe

One of the most common questions we receive is who actually issues permission to work in a European country. The answer is always the same: the competent government authority of that country, based on an application that is normally submitted by the employer.

A recruitment consultancy such as NextFly Global assists with the parts of the process that involve you as a candidate: preparing an accurate CV, organising documents, understanding employer requirements and communicating clearly with the employer. We do not issue permits and we cannot influence a government decision.

The typical sequence is: an employer identifies a vacancy, selects a candidate, applies for the relevant work authorisation, receives a decision, and only then does the candidate proceed with the consular stage. Each of these steps has its own processing time, and those times change from country to country and from season to season.

Be cautious of anyone who promises a guaranteed permit or a fixed processing date. Honest guidance means explaining what is likely, what is possible and what is outside anyone's control.